"No News is Good News" - unless you are trying to put together a webpage on News. In which case a blank page looks a little bit funny.

So why don't you email us and tell us what you
think is making news in Great Baddow, that you'd like to share with us all. If you wish it to be anonymous, we're happy to oblige.

Local Student's Illustration on Pete Doherty's Single

Celine Jennings from Great Baddow has had one of her illustrations used by Pete Doherty (Libertines and Babyshambles front man) for the video to his
latest single "I Don't Love Anyone". Celine is currently studying Illustration at the Cambridge campus of Anglia Ruskin University and was contacted by Pete via Twitter.

The video is available to view on youtube and has currently had
almost 100,000 views.

[Source: Essex Chronicle 10th November 2016]

Travellers move on to Baddow Hall Park and off again

This morning (27th) a group of travellers and their caravans
moved on to Baddow Hall Park
and set up camp. Initially it was reported that about 4 vans had arrived but by late afternoon the number had increased to around 10.

It is rumoured that they have arrived to attend a
wedding locally. By Monday (29th) they had all been evicted from the park but seemed to have left everything clean and tidy behind them. They have now moved on to Jubilee Park in Galleywood.

[Source: inGB 27th/ 29th August 2016]

Centenary Award Recipient

This year's
Centenary Award has been presented to David Saddington. The award marks the contribution of individuals who have given oustanding service to the village and its community.

David is heavily involved in many village groups including Theatre at Baddow, the Horticultural Society and leasing of the Reading Rooms. He received his award at the village Community Celebration from Chelmsford City Mayor, Councillor Hutchinson.
Congratulations David on your well deserved recognition. Previous winners include Barbara Locker and Dipak Patel.

[Source: Great Baddow Times - Summer Issue 2016]

Murder Investigation Launched

Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Bramwoods Road, Great Baddow. Officers were contacted shortly
after 5pm yesterday (Saturday, June 18) with reports that a man aged in his seventies had died. Initially the death was described as
"unexplained" but it was later declared "suspicious" and 3 people arrested. The Three, from Chelmsford, are a 43-year-old man, a 41-year-old woman and a 24-year-old
man are now in custody.

We offer sincere condolences to those affected.

[Source: Essex Chronicle - June 19th 2016]

King's Head Re-opens

The King's Head in Maldon Road re-opened on Friday (17th) after lying dormant for a number of months. We reported in May that there were signs of new life appearing for the oldest pub
in the village and these have resulted in a return to a traditional pub. The pool table and large TV screens seem to have departed (looking through the window slats) and more dining tables
installed.

We hope to have a chat soon with the new owner/manager, but attempts to do so prior to opening were thwarted by a change of phone
number since Toni's departure. Maybe even a few photos and a menu?

[Source: DH - June 19th 2016]

Sutherland Lodge Saved by Virgin

The Sutherland Lodge GP surgery that was threatened with closure will now be run by Virgin Care Services from the beginning of July.
One of Chelmsford's biggest surgeries, with over 12,000 registered patients, SL had been put up for sale in March.
After months of uncertainty and negotiations,
Virgin finally emerged as the preferred bidder.

The issue of the premises, which are still owned by the GP Partners, has still to be resolved

[Source: Essex Chronicle - June 9th 2016]

Gospel Hall Coming to Molrams Lane

The Chelmsford Gospel Hall Trust has now won permission to build a revised facility to provide for a capacity of 650 people. After an initial refusal in 2013, permission
was granted at Chelmsford City Council's planning committee on Tuesday night. Both Great Baddow and Sandon Parish Councils lodged complaints, with parking and
increased traffic
being the main concerns.

As part of the planning application, the existing car park on the corner of Molrams Lane and Woodhall Road, just across from Sandon School, will be made available to the school
when not in use by the Trust.

[Source: Essex Chronicle - May 19th 2016]

Record Number in Charity Races

This year's village charity races, held on Sunday 15th May, attracted nearly 300 more entrants than last year, with a total exceeding 1600 competing in the ten-mile race and the 2-mile fun run.
Paul Whittaker was the first male runner home in a time just over 53 minutes, while Nicky Bennett was the leading female in a time of 1 hour and 6 minutes.

A total of over £15,000 was estimated to have been raised for the four main charities supported this year - Barrow Farm, Chemsford Mencap, League of Friends of Hargrave House and Mildmay Charity Trust. Results in more
detail are available at baddowraces.org.uk .

[Source: Essex Chronicle - May 19th 2016]

King's Head Re-opening?

After a few days break, we return to find signs of life around the King's Head in Maldon Road. A new coat of paint has freshened it up and a skip beside
it seems to indicate that it is being freshened up inside as well. We'll keep our eyes and ears open to find out what's happening and bring it to you here. If you know more than us
(or are the new landlord/lady) why not update us and the rest of our readers.

The demolition of Marrable House as a spectator sport is finally over.
The scaffolders have gone with their poles and green safety netting.
The only task left for the demolition team is the removal of the tons of rubble. The hoarding posts are now in place and the hoarding itself underway. Almost the end of an era. However we'd still love to hear from you
if you know any actual dates for the end of active usage of MH. Amy has again been chasing this up for us and has heard from Chelmsford YMCA that they think they were in the old Optician's premises since 2002.

The demolition of Marrable House is now entering the last week of demolition.
The scaffolders are working hand in hand with the demolition team as the final levels of the stairwell are reduced to the ground.
Our intrepid roving reporter Amy has been given a completion date of 20th April by the Demolition contractors and also reminds us that there is
a planned period of archaelogical work on site once the demolition has finished. The hoarding posts are now in place and the enclosed area will not be accessible to the public.

We are currently trying to establish the dates when Royal Mail left and when the shops on the ground floor were last in operation (Royal Mail shop and Templeman Opticians,
before it became the Youth drop-in centre). and when Royal Mail last used the building. If you think you know the year, please share it with us.
Current best estimates range between 2000 and 2003.

[Source: MC/AF - April 14th 2016]

Marrable House Dragging On

The demolition of Marrable House has slowed considerably over the last few days. The removal of the remaining stairwell is certainly not moving at the pace of the rest of the building.
Most of the on-site machinery appears to be currently geared towards the organisation and removal of the tons of rubble. According to our roving reporter Amy, NorthEast Demolition
have confirmed that is what is happening and that the final demolition won't take place until later in the month. The scaffolders have also returned and are removing some of the upper levels
of the scaffolding tower - soon we might have a clear photo of the Vineyards from Church Street.

[Source: MC/AF - April 12th 2016]

Readers Court Stabbings

Three men were stabbed during a fight that broke out on 4th April in Readers Court, off Noakes Avenue. The wounds were not life-threatening, although one man was kept in hospital
for a couple of days.
Seven men, including the three stabbed, have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and one for possession of class A drugs.

Marrable House is nearing the end of its existence as the giant nibbler continues to eat away at the empty shell after the Easter break.
According to the demolition contractors it should only be another couple of days before
it finally bites the dust and work can start preparing the site for the construction of Heron Gate apartments.

[Source: DH - March 29th 2016]

Marrable House Stops and Starts

Well, sad to say, the giant monkey wrench has thrown a spanner in the works.
Demolition came to an unexpected halt at around 11.30 today [23rd], when part of the clawing mechanism came adrift.
Apparently the operator of this wonderfully powerful hydraulic beast is so skilled with it that he could lift a pint glass off the top
of Marrable House and deliver it intact to the ground - but only when its claws are working! Happy to report that normal service was resumed on 24th and some further photos taken. Looks as if all will be quiet over the Easter weekend.

Rubicon West, the previous owners of the building, are also recording its demolition with their own photgrapher on site and a time-lapse camera on the roof of the Vineyards. If we can get access
to this footage, we'll let you know. In the meantime, here's our daily update.

[Source: MC - March 26th 2016]

Demolition of Marrable House Re-starts

Spectator sport resumed today at Marrable House with crowds of on-lookers and photographers catching images of the end
of our favourite eye-sore.

Fascinating to watch how the giant monkey wrench just grabbed and twisted to bring sections of the building crashing down. We've had many requests for updates,
so have started a special webpage
dedicated to images of the demolition.

[Source: MC - March 21st 2016]

Men in White at Marrable House

Still not a great deal of obvious progress to write about but
the asbestos (confirmed in last week's Chronicle as white rather than the more toxic blue) has to be removed safely before further demolition work can proceed.

At lunchtime yesterday, the specialist asbestos removal team were on site and about to start their work. This photo shows them, in their protective suits and breathing masks, about to
go into the building. Asbestos removal should take about a week and then the demolition should provide some more interesting shots.

[Source: MC - March 14th 2016]

Marrable House Demolition Stalls Over Asbestos Concerns

Magnus Magnusson - "I've started, so I'll finish" - wouldn't like it
but our demolition spectating hasn't really done more than ease off the starting grid so far.

The Essex Chronicle last week reported on the delays. Local rumour has it that the demolition team has uncovered asbestos and
have had to wait for a specialist removal firm to come in and deal with it. It certainly wouldn't be surprising for a building of that period to have used asbestos insulation.
Hopefully we'll soon have some more exciting photos to share with you.

[Source: MC - March 8th 2016]

Marrable House Demolition Underway

External signs of the start of the demolition of our favourite eyesore
are now visible. Most of the internal preparation and erection of scaffolding hasn't brought many photo opportunities, but here at last is something to share with you.

Once we get further details about the demolition and re-development timescale
, we'll share them with you.

[Source: MC - March 2nd 2016]

Marrable House Update - Heron Gate

If you want to read further details about the demolition of Marrable House and its replacement - to be known as Heron Gate - then take a look at : Weston Homes site

Once we get further details about the development timescale
, we'll share them with you. Thanks Amy for alerting us to this.

[Source: MC - February 21st 2016]

Marrable House Update

"This gigantic blot on the village landscape is finally going to be pulled down to make way for.. Retirement homes? Apartments?"

And the answer is ... (drum roll and loud fanfare of trumpets) APARTMENTS. 53 one and two-bedroomed apartments is the builder's on-site announcement. Once we get further details and/or
images, we'll share them with you.

[Source: MC - February 19th 2016]

Local Eyesore Going

The moment we've all been anticipating for many years is coming closer with the appearance of
safety barriers around Marrable House this morning and signs stating that NorthEast Demolition have moved on site.

This gigantic blot on the village landscape, which was voted the biggest eyesores in Chelmsford only last year is finally going to be pulled down to make way for.. Retirement homes? Apartments?
We'll keep you posted and update the site with further photos as the work progresses. Let's just hope that we end up with a building to proud of and one more in keeping with the surrounding architecture (excluding the Vineyards, of course, which hopefully will remain quite well hidden)

[Source: MC - January 26th 2016]

Kings Head Closes Again

The regularly observant amongst you will have noticed that the Kings Head pub
in Maldon Road has served its last pint under the current owners. Over the past couple of months it has become clear that all was not well, with locals pointing out that
regular draught beers and ciders were frequently "waiting for a delivery" and the choice of wines becoming very restricted. Even the local pub quiz stopped testing the brains of its regulars just before Christmas.
It appears that it will soon be back on the market, but no details are currently available.

With two ownership changes in as many years, what suggestions can you make to keep our
oldest village pub open and vibrant?

[Source: MC - January 19th 2016]

Sutherland Lodge Losing 4 GP's

Four local GP's with more than 112 years experience will be leaving the local Sutherland Lodge
practice, in Baddow Road, at the end of June. Their decision is based on the prospect of losing one third of its current funding over the next two years.

A letter issued by the practice to its 12,000 plus patients had sparked concerns that the surgery would close at the end of June.
However NHS England and Mid Essex CCG have stated that this will not be the case and they will now begin the process of finding a new service provider.

[Source: Essex Chronicle - January 14th 2016]

New Morrisons Local in old Beehive Pub

The more observant amongst you will have noticed signs of new live appearing at the old Beehive pub (bottom
of Beehive Lane on Baddow Road).

Prideview Group Properties have now acquired the property and are marketing it as as a new branch of Morrisons Local.